crespy & aumont architectes and WY-TO’s tree-like structure blends city and nature

crespy & aumont architectes and WY-TO have won the international competition ‘imagine angers’ with arborescence, a mixed-use project for a new urban development. situated by the maine river bank in anger, western france, the project pays tribute to the city’s historical heritage, merging the vibrant urban centre with the natural landscape. as its name suggests, arborescence resembles a tree-like structure featuring an abundance of vegetation. the distinctive organic and free lines of the terraces and planter boxes on the exterior of the building are influenced by a breeze of wind through a tree.

arborescence’s architecture reflects its modularity
all renders by air studio

local architectural firm crespy & aumont architectes and WY-TO architectural studio, based in paris and singapore, competition entry embodies a contemporary lifestyle that integrates 15 residential units, a senior housing residence, a co-working space and a childcare centre. the architects achieved the right balance between common and private spaces where the modular housing units are juxtaposed with active co-working spaces and childcare centre. a central garden densely vegetated offers flora and fauna landscapes that evolve over the seasons and enhance the living environment of inhabitants and other citizens. subtle, locally-sourced materials blend the architecture with its surroundings while 180 degree views overlooking the maine river and historical cathedral contrast the serenity of the outdoor spaces.

arborescence merges the vibrant urban centre with the natural landscape

the structure and composition of the project allow flexibility in the appropriation of unit space and offer possibilities for future evolution. led by developer vinci immobilier, arborescence aims to contribute to the dynamism of the local economy by creating new job opportunities, supporting tech start-ups and promote art.

the garden provides opportunity to witness the flora & fauna landscapes

the structure uses locally-sourced, refined materials 

180 degree views overlook the maine river and historical cathedral

the contemporary architecture blends in harmoniously with its surroundings

the intergenerational program embodies a contemporary lifestyle

volume composition

contextual alterations

alignement and facade diversity

terraced block

urban biodiversity

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.